NEW ROCHELLE, NY -- With the opening weekend of competition upcoming this weekend for the Iona College cross country program, it was announced on Monday by the USTFCCCA that the men's team was ranked second in Preseason Regional Rankings while the women's group was slotted 10th in the Northeast Region.

The men's team finish second at last year's NCAA Northeast Regional Championship meet on the way to a 10th place showing at the NCAA Championship meet. The Gaels aim for a 27th straight MAAC Championship title this season in addition to a 15th top-ten finish at the NCAA Championship in the last 16 years. Chartt Miller was the highest finishing returner at last year's NCAA Regional, finishing in fourth behind a third place showing from Kieran Clements. Liam Dee and Jac Hopkins also return following top-20 finishes at the Regional meet.

The women's team returned to the top of the MAAC last year with the program's 11th championship in the last 12 years. The Maroon & Gold went on to a ninth place finish at the NCAA Northeast Regional Championship with Teghan Henderson earning All-Region honors with a 12th place showing.

The USTFCCCA Regional Cross Country Rankings are determined subjectively by a single member coach in each respective region. The regional representative is tasked with weighing returning teams' strength with current season results (if applicable) in determining predicted team finishes at the NCAA Regional Championships.

This year the NCAA Division I Regional Championships will be held across the nation on Friday, November 10.